How property finders work with estate agents

You may wonder how property finders work with estate agents and what differentiates one from the other.

Although sometimes viewed as opposing parties, at Garrington, we share a positive and professional relationship with the estate agents we work alongside.

By working constructively and strategically with estate agents on your behalf, we aim to identify the right property for you and navigate any potential challenges with care and expertise.

Understanding the key differences between estate agents and property finders

Estate agents and property finders each play a vital role in the property market, but their objectives and responsibilities differ significantly. Both contribute to a successful property transaction, yet they represent distinct interests and provide unique value.

The role of an estate agent

Estate agents are appointed by vendors to market and sell their properties.

An estate agents expertise lies in showcasing homes, attracting potential buyers, and negotiating terms that align with the vendor’s goals.

As professionals, they draw upon their market knowledge and local networks to achieve the best outcome for their client—the seller.

This vendor-focused approach does not imply a lack of transparency or professionalism. Estate agents must operate within legal and ethical frameworks, including disclosure requirements for certain property details. However, buyers should recognise that the estate agent’s ultimate priority is to serve the interests of the seller.

The role of a property finder

In contrast, property finders like Garrington represent the buyer.

Property finders act solely in the buyer’s interest, helping you navigate the property market with independent advice and tailored support.

Our role is to identify properties that align with your preferences, evaluate their suitability, and negotiate terms that work to your advantage.

Where estate agents are focused on achieving the best result for the vendor, property finders offer a counterbalance by advocating exclusively for the buyer. Our impartiality ensures that you receive objective guidance throughout the process.

Protecting the buyer’s interests

One of the key advantages of working with a property finder is the level of protection and diligence we bring to the buying process.

While estate agents are bound by disclosure requirements, their obligations are specific and may not extend to highlighting every potential issue with a property.

Similarly, while solicitors play an important role in the legal process, they do not typically advise on the property’s market value or suitability.

As your property finder, Garrington can provide:

• Price Insights: We analyse local market trends and comparable properties to determine whether a property is fairly priced. This ensures you have a clear understanding of its value before making an offer.
• Detailed Due Diligence: Beyond what is legally required of estate agents, we conduct thorough investigations into the property and surrounding area. This includes identifying any potential issues or considerations that might not be evident in the listing.

By offering this additional layer, we help you make informed decisions with confidence, knowing that your interests are fully represented.

Working for you with estate agents

The roles of property finders and estate agents are not oppositional but complementary. The way we collaborate with estate agents varies depending on the situation. For prestige properties, for instance, marketing may be intentionally limited.

The most sought-after properties often never reach the open market.

These “off-market opportunities” are highly desirable and frequently exclusive, as they remain invisible to the typical buyer searching through property portals or public listings.

At Garrington, we specialise in uncovering these hidden gems. Through our extensive network of trusted estate agents and industry professionals, we gain early access to properties before they are widely advertised—or, in some cases before they are listed at all.

Estate agents play a vital role in introducing properties to the marketplace. This is why we invest in building strong, professional relationships with discerning agents across the regions we operate in.

When we identify a property through an estate agent that meets your criteria, we conduct a thorough fact-finding process. Importantly, your confidentiality is always maintained; we never disclose client details without explicit permission.

Property finder service

If a property aligns with your requirements, we may:

• Submit detailed questions to the estate agent to clarify any key points.
• Conduct an inspection visit on your behalf.
• Use our local knowledge to assess the property’s advantages and potential drawbacks.
• Share our initial findings with you, presenting the property as a viable option if it meets your expectations.
• Subject to your approval, engage in detailed discussions with the estate agent, including pricing considerations.
• Recommend a personal visit to the property if all factors align positively.
• Negotiate with the estate agent and vendor on your behalf to secure the best possible terms, if you wish.

Throughout this process, we continue monitoring the market for other suitable options, ensuring you have a range of choices.

Preferred buyers

Our longstanding reputation and professional relationships often work to our clients’ advantage.

Garrington clients are recognised as serious and credible buyers, which gives selling agents confidence when presenting offers to vendors.

In some cases, our clients have successfully secured properties in competitive scenarios, such as sealed bids, not because they submitted the highest offer but due to the trust agents place in our ability to facilitate smooth and reliable transactions.

Building productive relationships

While our role and that of an estate agent can sometimes appear at odds – particularly when negotiating on price – our shared professionalism often leads to productive outcomes. Our expertise in negotiations ensures that we advocate for your best interests without compromising the transaction’s progress.

Having two objective, professional property specialists on either side of a deal often leads to a smoother resolution than if negotiations were left solely to the buyer and seller, where emotions can sometimes cloud judgement.

What does a buying agent do?

Buying a property is both an exciting and deeply personal experience. A buying agent will adopt a pragmatic approach to your property search and provide expert advice and reassurance throughout the process.

At Garrington, we provide a comprehensive property solution, from identifying suitable options to negotiating favourable terms, and even advising on potential rental yields.

To learn more about how we can assist with your property search, please contact us.